Atiku Slams Tinubu's Emergency Declaration In Rivers State: A Threat To Democracy

Atiku Abubakar Takes a Stand Against Tinubu's Controversial Move in Rivers State

Naija News brings you the latest update as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. During a global press conference held on Thursday, Atiku voiced his concerns over what he perceives as an overreach of federal power into the affairs of a state that should be governed by its elected officials.

Tinubu made waves on Tuesday when he announced the state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis as the reason. The situation has sparked heated debates across the nation, with many questioning the legality and necessity of such a drastic measure.

In a bold and controversial move, Tinubu went as far as suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This decision has left many political analysts scratching their heads, questioning whether this is a genuine attempt to restore order or a power play disguised as governance.

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Naija News remembers that Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, as the administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs during the emergency period. This decision has not only raised eyebrows but has also fueled concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s democratic structure.

Leaders Unite to Condemn Tinubu's Unconstitutional Actions

Fellow Nigerians,

We, a coalition of leaders and political stakeholders from all corners of the country, have gathered to address what we see as a dangerous and unconstitutional act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On March 18, 2025, he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and unlawfully suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly. This move is not only illegal but also a clear attempt to undermine democracy and impose federal control over a legitimately elected state government.

We strongly condemn this action and urge every Nigerian with a conscience to resist this blatant attack on constitutional governance. This isn't just about Rivers State—it's about the future of democracy in Nigeria.

Why Tinubu’s Move Is a Threat to Democracy

It appears that the president’s decision was driven by the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Normally, all parties involved would work together in good faith to implement the court’s decision. Instead, the president has chosen a path that undermines the rule of law and democratic principles.

President Tinubu's address to the nation on March 18th revealed a bias that is unbecoming of someone holding the highest office in the land. His communication lacked the sophistication expected of the presidency and dragged the office into the mud of political squabbles, tarnishing its dignity with inappropriate language and excessive aggression.

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The Constitutional Violations at Play

Let’s break it down. The Nigerian Constitution does not give the President the authority to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or State Assembly members under any circumstances. Section 188 of the Constitution clearly outlines the impeachment process, which must be initiated by the State House of Assembly—not by a presidential decree.

Section 305 of the Constitution permits the President to declare a state of emergency only in extreme cases, such as war, public safety threats, or a breakdown of national security. However, it does not grant the President the power to suspend elected officials or dismantle democratic structures. Moreover, Section 305(1) states that any emergency proclamation must comply with the Constitution, meaning it cannot override the procedures for removing a Governor.

Why Tinubu’s Declaration Fails Constitutional Standards

The conditions outlined in Section 305(3) for declaring a state of emergency include:

• War or external aggression
• Breakdown of public order and safety
• Natural disasters
• Other grave emergencies threatening Nigeria’s existence

None of these conditions exist in Rivers State today. There is no war, no widespread violence, and no breakdown of law and order that would justify emergency rule. This declaration seems to be more about political control than addressing any real crisis.

Ignoring Due Process and Legal Alternatives

Even if the emergency declaration were valid (which it isn’t), it would require a two-thirds majority approval from all members of the National Assembly—specifically, at least 72 Senators and 240 members of the House of Representatives. Without this approval, the proclamation must automatically cease to have effect.

Additionally, if the issue was the dysfunction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the President could have encouraged the National Assembly to intervene under Section 11 of the Constitution. However, even under such an intervention, the Governor and Deputy Governor cannot be removed unless through the proper constitutional channels.

Political Motives Behind the Crisis

This state of emergency isn't about security—it's about power. The disagreements in Rivers State stem from the defection of 27 Assembly members from the PDP to the APC, their subsequent loss of seats under constitutional provisions, and the ensuing political maneuvering to undermine the Governor’s mandate. Rather than allowing the legal process to unfold, the federal government has manufactured a crisis to justify this unconstitutional action.

Using pipeline vandalism as an excuse is laughable. If security is truly the concern, we must ask: Who controls the police, the military, and the DSS? Is it the Governor or the President? These are federal responsibilities, yet they are being used as a justification for state-level intervention.

What We Demand and What You Can Do

1. Immediate Reversal: We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

2. National Assembly’s Rejection: We urge patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must not be used to legitimize an unconstitutional power grab.

3. Judicial Intervention: We encourage the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down this proclamation. This sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any Governor in the future.

4. Nigerians Must Defend Democracy: We implore all civil society organizations, political groups, and Nigerians of good conscience to stand firm in defending our democracy. Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship where elected officials can be replaced with military administrators.

Final Thoughts

A peaceful Niger Delta is vital to the economic health and stability of Nigeria. The federal government should not create political crises that could disrupt this delicate balance. We must never let personal political interests overshadow the principles of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance.

This isn't just about Rivers State—it's about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Let’s come together to protect the values we’ve worked so hard to build.

Thank you all.

Thursday, 20th March, 2025